WawonaNews.com - December 2013

YOSEMITE - The Ansel Adams Gallery In Yosemite National Park was packed with students, parents and teachers on Saturday, Nov. 16, as awards were presented to the winners of the 3rd annual Gateway Expressions Art and Poetry Contest. Two walls in the gallery were lined with the artwork, poetry and photography of students from the gateway communities of Yosemite, and the kids were thrilled to have their work displayed in such an iconic place. While the parents snapped photos of the display and kids pointed out their creations, Shauna Potocky, Branch Chief of Education for Yosemite National Park, and her team prepared for the awards."We realized that some youth who live right near the park weren't getting into the park," said Potocky. "We worked through the school districts to encourage our youth to make a deep connection with Yosemite." So Potocky created the Gateway Expressions Art and Poetry Project, a contest and exhibit designed to celebrate the arts, foster inspiration, and encourage exploration of the park through partnerships with local organizations. Last year, she received The Freeman Tilden Award, "an annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to the public through interpretation by a National Park Service employee. The award was created in 1982 to stimulate and reward creative work by National Park Service employees that results in positive impacts upon the visiting public," says the NPS website.

The communities of Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, and Lee Vining were invited to have their students submit their work. It was then set up for viewing, and staff from Delaware North, the Yosemite Conservancy, Nature Bridge, YNP, the Ansel Adams Gallery, Park Volunteers and community members gathered for a briefing on the process, and submitted their votes in a ballot box."The goal was to get lots of judges, and we had well over 40 participate this year," said Potocky. "It took a tremendous team of people to make this happen, and we were all thrilled to see the youth's vision of Yosemite." Over 150 entries were submitted this year, and Potocky said the judging was a tough task. "All the work was absolutely stunning," she said. "We honor each and every piece, whether it is in the final collection or not." Before the awards were presented, Potocky announced that on the heels of the success of the Gateways Expressions event, they would be launching a new program - a Youth in Yosemite film contest.The contest will be held in conjunction with the Range of Light film festival in the spring, and students will be asked to submit short films, a maximum of 15 minutes. With all the kids waiting anxiously in the gallery, Potocky, along with Sharon Miyaco, Chris Raines, Debbie Martin and Arial Hickman then presented the awards to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, along with many Honorable Mentions.Wawona winners include:Art (2nd/3rd grade)1st Place David Ivey Yosemite's Half Dome 3rd Place Lusa Andrews The Forest (4th/5th grade)1st Place Lasen Andrews River Leaves(6th/8th grade)2nd Place Derrick Ivey Blazing Blue Photography(9th/12th grade)1st Place Adam Scott A Peaceful Yosemite Autumn2nd Place Hannah Scott Life Under the GiantsSpecial AwardsYosemite Grant Award Hannah Scott Life Under the Giants

Click on the images below for full-size picture

WAWONA SCHOOL RULES OF RECYCLING

Please assist the Wawona School and community volunteers by following the Rules of Recycling.Recycling Do’s and Don’tsDO: Sort all recyclables into the correct containers.DON’T: Leave bags or boxes full of unsorted recyclable items. DON’T: Leave household trash. Household trash belongs in community dumpsters.DON’T: Leave electronic waste (TV’s, Computers, and Telephones)DO:FLATTEN ALL CARDBOARD!!. Boxes must be empty of all packing material and broken down and flattened. Place flattened cardboard and brown grocery bags in the Cardboard Bin.DON’T: Recycle Styrofoam, bubble wrap, or ‘popcorn’ packing.DO: Be sure all recyclables are clean and dry.DON’T place medical waste, plastic diapers, waxed containers, household garbage, microwave food trays, disposable aluminum baking containers, or soiled items in recycling.DO: Place soda and wine bottles and aluminum cans in appropriate bags. Green, amber, and clear glass containers can be recycled. Cleanliness counts – rinse bottles and cans DON’T place broken glass, window glass, ceramics, light bulbs, mirrors, drinking glasses, crystal, dishware, or Pyrex in recycling containers.DON’T leave the plastic rings for a six-pack of beer or soda. To protect wildlife, cut them up before you place them in a community trash dumpster.DO: Place newspapers, magazines, catalogs, mail, phone books in the container labeled “PAPER”. Leave shredded paper in a bag – do not it dump out.DON’T place soiled paper towels, paper plates, napkins, plastic grocery bags in any recycling container.If you have to think: Is it recyclable? It probably isn’t recyclable!Community volunteers have to spend many hours sorting and organizing the Wawona School Recycling Center. They remove household trash and items not recyclable in order that it is acceptable to DNC and Mariposa County Recycling. DO: Protect park wildlife by not leaving household trash, soiled food containers, dirty diapers, and other inappropriate material in the Wawona School Recycling Center. There are community dumpsters located in Wawona for those items.

Starting Sunday night November 17th thru Friday afternoon November 22nd there will be 24-hour traffic control (Sunday night thru Friday afternoon) at the Wawona Tunnel with only one lane open with controlled traffic and pilot car operations. Crews will be repairing the vertical concrete walls near the east end of the Wawona Tunnel. The delays will include 15 minute delays between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm and 30-minute traffic delays between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm and 2-hour traffic delays between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am as crews continue working on repairs to the Wawona Tunnel. Please drive slow thru the construction zone. (209) 379-1263. (M. Pieper)

Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement

November 1, 2013Yosemite National Park Announces Release of Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement Yosemite National Park announces the release of the Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Final Environmental Impact Statement (Mariposa Grove FEIS). This landmark plan provides the foundation for the restoration and site improvements in the park’s largest grove of giant sequoias. The Mariposa Grove, along with Yosemite Valley, was included in the Yosemite Grant that was signed into law on June 30, 1864. This marked the first time the federal government set aside land for protection and is considered to be the genesis of the national park idea. The Mariposa Grove contains approximately 500 mature giant sequoia trees that are among the oldest, rarest, and largest living organisms in the world. The paramount objectives of the restoration plan include restoring degraded habitat and natural processes in the Grove. This includes restoring prime giant sequoia habitat and associated wetlands, which are currently impacted by the parking lot and roads in the lower Grove area. Other objectives include improving traffic circulation, visitor parking, and visitor orientation to the grove. Restoration and improvements to the Mariposa Grove specifically include:

Restoring giant sequoia and associated wetland habitat

Constructing a transit hub at the South Entrance which will allow for the relocation of the current parking area from the Grove

Adding shuttle service between the South Entrance and the lower Grove area during peak use periods

Building accessible trails through the Grove to allow for improved access without impacting the sequoia trees and other sensitive areas.

Restoring natural hydrology and reducing noise by eliminating commercial tram service through the grove.

Establishing a new pedestrian trail between South Entrance and the lower Grove area, and several new accessible trails within the grove.

Yosemite Conservancy, the park’s philanthropic partner, is contributing significant funding for this landmark project. Following a 30-day no action period, the National Park Service (NPS) will document a final decision in a Record of Decision (ROD), which will be published in the Federal Register. The Mariposa Grove FEIS is available on the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mgrove_documents.htm and the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/mariposagrove. To request printed documents or CDs, e-mail yose_planning@nps.gov or call (209) 379-1202. Copies may also be requested via mail at: Superintendent, Attn: Mariposa Grove/FEIS P.O. Box 577 Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.

October Bear Update

In preparation for hibernation, bears eat up to 20,000 calories each day in fall months. The abundant acorns this year have provided us with the treat of seeing black bears aloft in the trees feeding naturally. Some of these trees, however, are in or near housing and other developed areas. This sets up a situation in which these wild bears could be exposed to human food, unless residents and visitors are especially vigilant in keeping their food secure from bears. Please be aware that pet food, open windows in unattended buildings, overflowing trash and recycling, kitchen compost heaps, bird feeders and any other food or attractants left out can lead bears to change their foraging habits. Keep vehicles clean of food and attractants. Don’t let your mistake be the one that starts any of these wonderful animals down the road to ruin. Many bears and other wildlife are foraging on acorns near roadways. Please remember to help protect all wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving. (C. Lee-Roney) ________________________

Halloween Bear Reminder Pumpkins are food! In recent years, bears in Yosemite have taken advantage of pumpkins sitting out in neighborhoods. Please help prevent bear incidents in residential areas by keeping your pumpkins inside your home. It is okay to put pumpkins out near your house on Oct. 31st for trick-or-treaters, but please do not leave out bowls of unattended candy. Remember to bring pumpkins inside or throw them away once the last trick-or-treaters have finished their rounds. (C. Lee-Roney)

Yosemite National Park Reopens to Visitors

Arthur Sels, 72, and wife Marie-Louise, 70, both of Antwerp, Belgium, read about El Capitan just inside Yosemite National Park’s entrance on Thursday. Less than an hour after the House agreed to end the 2-week-old partial government shutdown, Yosemite officials announced Wednesday night they would immediately reopen for business. THADDEUS MILLER — Merced Sun-Star

By Thaddeus Miller — tmiller@mercedsunstar.com YOSEMITE — Marc Sels and wife Linda had been planning for a year to visit the United States, including a stop at Yosemite National Park, and they were afraid the government shutdown was going to ruin it.“It was a pity,” he said, adding the family from Belgium was closed out of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Arches National Park in Utah and others. “We saved a lot of money for it (the trip).”The Selses planned a monthlong trip that traversed the country and several national parks. The trip was a gift from Marc’s parents. It was a way for the couple to celebrate their 50th anniversary and his 50th birthday on Sunday.They were just some of the tourists visiting Yosemite on Thursday, the day after Congress ended a the 2-week-old partial government shutdown that closed Yosemite and other national parks. Park officials announced late Wednesday that Yosemite is open for business.Sels said he was upset to have his vacation plans shaken up, but “it was more upsetting for the people who don’t get paid,” referring to federal workers. Linda Sels, 53, said the family was relieved to get to the park gates and see them open. Their plan was to head next to Sequoia National Park, which also opened Thursday.Also in the park were Jim and Donna Burke of Cleveland, who said they were happy to hear the park would be open. They had just flown in for an extended vacation. “We thought maybe, by the 17th, it would be open,” Donna Burke, 70, said. “It’s been on our bucket list for years to come here.”

Glenn Gibbons, a visitor use assistant, explains the Yosemite National Park’s passes at the entrance on Thursday. Less than an hour after the House agreed to end the 2-week-old partial government shutdown, Yosemite officials announced Wednesday night they would immediately reopen for business. THADDEUS MILLER — Merced Sun-Star

The Burkes said they never really considered canceling, and crossed their fingers in the hope that there would be a resolution to the shutdown before their trip. Jim Burke, 74, said it would have been a big disappointment to cancel.

According to park officials, major highways and roads leading into and through Yosemite, including the Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove roads, are now open to vehicles. Park visitor centers and campgrounds also reopened, and ranger-led programs resumed Thursday.

“We are excited to reopen and welcome visitors back to Yosemite,” park Superintendent Don Neubacher said in a news release. “Autumn is a particularly special season to enjoy Yosemite’s colorful grandeur.”

Glenn Gibbons, who helps operate a tollbooth at the Highway 140 entrance to the park, worked through the shutdown without pay. He said he was glad the park was back to full service again, as he accepted the tolls from drivers.

More than 3 million people visit Yosemite in a year, and many pass through Mariposa on their way up Highway 140. The town of less than 2,000 was hurting without sightseers.

Mariposa County received about $11.4 million in transient-tax revenues, mostly generated by tourism, each of the past two years. It accounts for more than 40 percent of the county’s general fund.

River Rock Inn and Deli Garden Cafe owner Vickie Lorenzi estimated she lost $18,000 during the two weeks of guest cancellations and early departures while the park was closed. The seven-room inn has been “deadsville,” she said.

Rory Erbeck, 60, and Carole King, 64, both of Vallecito, check out Bridalveil Falls just inside Yosemite National Park’s entrance on Thursday. Less than an hour after the House agreed to end the 2-week-old partial government shutdown, Yosemite officials announced Wednesday night they would immediately reopen for business. THADDEUS MILLER — Merced Sun-Star |

“I have two tour groups from Australia that come every month,” she said. “They didn’t come this year, so that was a lot of money out of my pocket.”

Things did improve slightly Thursday when the park reopened, Lorenzi said. But tourism tends to die down in late October, she said, so Mariposa businesses missed the prime time for October dollars.

Also on Highway 140 is The Company Store Gift Shoppe. Scott Nady, whose parents have owned the store for 14 years, said the first week Yosemite was closed was manageable because tourists were still showing up, unaware of the closure. The second week, however, slumped.

Thursday wasn’t much better, he said, as most tourists were reluctant to head up the highway.

“They said, ‘We heard it’s open, but we don’t want to go up there and have it partly open or half open,’” he said.

Nady said he’s optimistic that tourism will pick up as people start to hear Yosemite is back in business. Mariposa also has a car show and race planned this weekend. He thought that might help draw a crowd.

Harsha Joshi, who works the front desk at The Monarch hotel, said visitors started to trickle in Thursday but business was still slow. She said she hoped things would improve as word gets around that Yosemite is open.

“They are here for the park,” she said, “because in Mariposa (there are) no other things to do.”

Hallelujah! YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK REOPENS TO VISITORS

Facilities and services reopened Yosemite National Park reopens to park visitors tonight, October 16, 2013. Visitors can access public areas and roads immediately while facilities and other public services are brought back on-line. Yosemite National Park has been closed since October 1, 2013 due to the government shutdown. "We are excited to reopen and welcome visitors back to Yosemite," stated park superintendent Don Neubacher. "Autumn is a particularly special season to enjoy Yosemite’s colorful grandeur." Major highways and roads leading into and through Yosemite National Park, including the Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove roads, are open to vehicles. Park visitor centers will reopen and Ranger-led programs will resume on October 17. Visitors are urged to consult the Yosemite Guide for a list of programs. Valley campgrounds in Yosemite will reopen on October 17. Those with reservations will be able to check in by noon. First come, first serve sites at Camp Four, Wawona and Hodgdon are also available. Delaware North Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the park’s primary concessioner, is reopening facilities and will begin to welcome guests immediately. The Ansel Adams Gallery, located in Yosemite Village, will also reopen. -NPS-